A LONG-serving Teignmouth councillor and town clerk, has died suddenly.

David Tickell, 78, was taken to Bristol hospital with heart complications, and died there at the weekend.

He recently retired after 17 years as town clerk of the town council, and before that he was mayor and a Conservative councillor on the town and district councils.

Cllr Sylvia Russell, Teignmouth’s longest serving member who knew him well, recalled that he used his negotiating skills to ensure that Bitton House, the Orangery and grounds were returned to the ownership of the town.

‘He ensured financial security for the house by creating offices on the top floor, and encouraged the use of the chambers for outside lettings. He was very proud to show visitors what had been achieved.

‘For David, being town clerk was not a nine-to-five job, and whether it was flood defences or a dried-up fountain, he would turn out all hours to lend a hand. When it came to the big event, David was in his element, and we have him to thank for organising important occasions such as the 1690 commemorations, royal jubilees, and the millennium celebrations.

‘If a job needed doing, David would get stuck in. He would be the first to admit that he was not the best at office work, but his enthusiasm, optimistic outlook and good humour made him many friends. David Tickell lived for Teignmouth and we will miss him,’ said Cllr Russell.

He leaves a widow, Lesley, two sons, Phil and Richard, and three grandchildren.

At the weekend, the flag in The Triangle was flown at half-mast in his memory, and the ceremony was attended by several local councillors, staff, traders and others.